132 RULLETIN OF THE NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY. 



himself, for his local Natural History Society, with which he should 

 keep in close touch, and for specialists to whom -he must turn for ad- 

 vice in all difficulties. He should gather books and papers relating to 

 his subject, enter into correspondence with other students of it 

 and publish accounts of his discoveries. Naturally he will explore 

 first the region nearest about his home, then later in his holi- 

 days extend his journeys to other parts of the county or province he 

 tries to cover. Thus gradually will he rise in his specialty until he 

 comes to feel the joy of accomplishment, the charm of authority, and 

 the satisfaction of having done something whose value is permanent. 



The first and most important problem of local Natural History is 

 that of occurrences — exactly what species occur within the given area 

 and in what abundance. In New Brunswick, study of this kind has 

 been made for the few groups that will be mentioned below. Its re- 

 sults are expressed in lists whose value is in direct proportion to their 

 accuracy, which should be secured by asking the advice of specialists 

 upon all doubtful points. Such lists are the very foundation of local 

 Natural History study. 



Second of local problems is that of geographical distribution, the 

 precise range of species, not only in this Province, but also in relation 

 to their distribution generally. Involved with this is the occurrence 

 of colonies and the position of the lines of migration of species into the 

 Province, and the proportion of the species that are derived from dif- 

 ferent directions, etc. Practically this could, I think, be best worked 

 out by aid of simple small outline maps of the Province and of the 

 World, on which the range of species could be shown in color, and 

 new facts added as gained. I have no doubt that these maps, appeal- 

 ing to the eye, would suggest facts, principles, and clues for further 

 study that the mere printing of localities in lists or tables would not. 

 No such study of distribution has yet been made for any group of 

 animals or plants in New Brunswick. 



Third of local problems is that of habits of Animals and Plants. 

 Surprisingly little is known accurately of the habits of organisms in a 

 state of nature, and accurate records of fact in this line are most 

 valuable. 



Fourth of local problems is adaptation of organisms to external 

 conditions, how their forms and sizes and colors are related to their 

 habits and bO outside influences, and especially how all these vary with 

 the external conditions. It is true this division of local study is at 

 present very difficult because of the lack of good books which can be 



